​After more than eight years of study and public involvement, engineers are now designing the first phase of KY 32 reconstruction to improve the highway's safety and efficiency ... Click the map below to take a tour of the nearly-complete design for about 6.2 miles of new highway in Elliott County between KY 7 at Newfoundland and the Rowan County line. Or, keep scrolling to take a simulated drive along what the new highway could look like, see a timeline of events, or read news and documents that have led the Transportation Cabinet team to this point in the project.

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Click map to view large-format file in PDF format. (Drawings for information only, and should not be considered design files.)

​What's the latest project news?

Work has entered the final design phase​; right of way and utility relocations coming soon

Over the last two years, Highway District 9 and its consultant AECOM engineers have been using geotechnical data, surveys and other information to develop new roadway plans. Current highlights as of November 2016:

Project survey is complete, pavement design approved, and geotechnical work near completion

First half of project proceeding with final design, with typical highway and sideroad approaches being designed

Areas outside of rock cuts will get "turf mats" and other treatments to promote vegetative growth as part of the project's commitment to "green infrastructure"

Permanent erosion and sediment control measures are being enacted to ensure high water quality during and after construction to protect nearby pristine streams, which include silt traps, permanent sediment ponds with specialized drainage systems to clean runoff, and diversion ditches to minimize water flow over rock cuts

Design of a scenic vista near Stringtown Road has been finalized, with more areas under consideration for second phase

The Transportation Cabinet has started the advanced acqusition process for right of way

​Engineers used 3D software to simulate how the new road will look, above, and how the scenic vista will appear, below.Note: Drive direction is east from Rowan County toward Elliott County. Driveways and other entrances, lane markings, etc., have been removed for clarity. Green space is a close approximation of what should happen after construction.

KY 32 Redesign Project Timeline

Click the timeline to see major milestones for the KY 32 project since its inception...

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The Story So Far ...

​A planning study in 2008 and 2009 determined a mile-wide corridor within which roadway improvements could be developed. Since then, engineers have developed and analyzed six specific highway alignments within that corridor. (Click the timeline above to see specific milestones.) A wide range of alternatives, including new roadways to the north or south, have been considered and engineers have met frequently with the public to gather more information.

The result? A preliminary preferred alternative - Alternative 3 - has received location approval by the Federal Highway Administration and is now in the final design phase.

Preliminary Preferred Alternative

Maps of Alternative 3, a new KY 32 to be built near the existing roadway, which is under consideration. Please note: These maps are for informational purposes only and do not represent official or final highway designs.

Maps are best viewed with most recent versions of Internet Explorer or Firefox and Adobe Acrobat Reader. (Right click, save as, then open file and place cursor near bottom of map to see zoom controls.)

From Elliottville to mile marker 21 in Rowan County.

From mile marker 21 in Rowan County to mile marker 4 in Elliott County.